Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis issued a call to Greek and Arab entrepreneurs to recognise emerging opportunities as a result of the global economic crisis and to further promote cooperation on both sides of the Mediterranean.
Addressing the 2nd Arab-Greek Economic Forum in Athens, Bakoyannis stressed that the political, cultural and economic relations between Greece and the Arab countries are robust, underlining the promising prospects in the sectors of investments, energy, shipping and construction. Bakoyannis also referred to the foreign ministry participation in the efforts to promote cooperation, citing the Euro-Med FTZ to be established by 2010, challenges resulting from the climate change, the pressing need for investments in renewable energy sources, promotion of “green entrepreneurship” and the OSCE Mediterranean Partnership.

The foreign minister also referred to the extroversion of the Greek economy and the advantages stemming from the country’s geo-strategic position and know-how. Speaking at the forum, Development Minister Christos Folias referred to the cooperation potential in the sectors of transportation, constructions, services and exchange of know-how particularly in the sectors of farm products, fish culture, tourism and RES. Folias called on the Greek and Arab firm to take fully exploit opportunities in the Mediterranean basin, in particular.

The 2nd Arab-Greek Economic Forum is hosted by the Arab-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Development, under the auspices of the Greek ministries of foreign affairs and development and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture for Arab Countries.